Changing garment convertible to carrying bag

ABSTRACT

A combination hooded changing garment and carry bag, providing ample room for a person to change attire in public places without loss of modesty. The garment, preferably made from recycled or recyclable fabric, can be washable or disposable, having a full length center-front opening with separable closure fasteners and wrist area separable fasteners to give sleeves effect, if desired after changing to wear. The garment has a wide, scoop-necked area for ease of overhead access when removing or putting on items underneath. The mesh netting on the hood provides ventilation, and allows the wearer to see out through the mesh, with reduced ability from the outside to see the person wearing the garment. The mesh netting hooded head cover attached to the garment converts to a self-storage bag for the garment and the wet, soiled, or other items.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM, LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This product pertains generally to apparel. More specifically, the apparel is a loose fitting hooded garment within which a person may undress and dress, when standing or seated, while still maintaining modesty in a public place, convertible into a mesh carrying bag for storing and transporting the garment, and dry clothing to change into after activities as well as the changed soiled clothing and other objects.

Previous garments have been designed to allow a person to change clothes in public places without exposing oneself to other people. These garments generally take the form of a wrap or robe consisting of water-absorbent material, and some have been effective in allowing a person to comfortably wear the garment after changing has occurred to protect the person from the various elements of nature. Other garments designed for beekeepers and hazmat responders contain hoods but are specialized for protection and safety.

Therefore, it would be highly desirable to provide a thin, lightweight, compactable garment, that when worn allows a wearer to change clothes underneath in privacy. In addition, rather than being a one-piece closed configuration, the present garment being open at the waist area facilitates changing while either seated or standing, whether indoors or outdoors, including in a motor vehicle. The garment mesh hood provides ventilation and outward visibility for the wearer while minimizing the ability of others to see the wearer. The removed garment can also be folded up and stored and transported within the hood enclosure carry bag.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first manifestation, the garment is draped over a person to allow the person to modestly and discretely perform certain activities such as changing attire within public places. A connected front, back, sides and hood form the primary covering. Within the large enclosure, visually isolated from exterior view, a person can move around and change attire. In a second manifestation, the changing garment is tucked into the hood as a mesh carrying bag for storage and transport.

Most recreational athletes do not have locker rooms or adequate changing facilities. Road running races can have thousands of participants. After a run or other exercise, particularly outdoors, clothes are usually wet, unhygienic and uncomfortable and there is no, or minimal, privacy to change into dry clothing. As a result, many people will forego changing their attire. It is also difficult to remove from one's body wet sports clothing and undergarments.

Historically, people have attempted various methods of changing in the absence of suitable facilities. One common method employed by groups of people is that of simply taking turns holding towels or blankets around and individual while changing. This solution is minimally effective and inconvenient and, more importantly, requires the cooperation of several individuals to successfully complete.

With the ever increasing popularity of sport and recreational activities, there arises a continuing need in the art for a more convenient, easily used and readily available apparatus for changing clothes in the absence of adequate changing facilities.

The principal advantage of this invention is to provide a garment that can be worn to facilitate the changing of clothes in public places. Another advantage of this invention is to provide a garment for changing clothes that allows a person to comfortably wear the garment in public places before or after the changing of clothing has occurred. Another advantage of this invention is to provide a garment for facilitating the changing clothes in public that is lightweight. And still another advantage of this invention is to provide a garment for changing clothes that allows a person to store and transport the garment while not in use. And yet a further advantage of this invention is to provide a garment for changing clothes that contains an enclosure means attached to the garment for storing and transporting the garment when not in use. And still a further advantage of this invention is to add a new and unique garment to the field of clothes changing garments.

The garment contains a hood, open sleeve and waist areas that allow a wearer to reach underneath the garment to change clothes. The garment can contain interior and exterior pockets to store items and keep the wearer's hands protected. The garment contains sufficient room underneath to enable a wearer to comfortably change clothes. The current garment is made of thin, lightweight, compactable, recyclable materials, and rather than being a one-piece closed configuration, the present garment being open at the waist area facilitates changing while either seated or standing. The removed garment can also be folded up and stored within the hood enclosure.

Objects of the Invention: It is a general object of the present product to provide an improved device for changing clothes in a running or other sports and diverse activities environment. It is a more particular object of the present product to provide an improved apparatus for changing clothes which is convenient to use and carry and which may be employed by a solo person.

A first object of the invention is to provide a garment that will make it easier for a person to change clothing without exposure or loss of modesty. A second object of the invention is to enable a person to convert the garment from a changing robe into a carry bag for transporting the changing robe and other clothing and objects. A further object of the invention is to facilitate changing attire while seated or standing, outdoors or indoors, including in a motor vehicle.

A further object of the invention is to provide a single, consistent shape that may be worn by both sexes. Another object of the invention is to keep the robe long enough having enough fabric to adequately cover the person when the person bends over during changes of attire or other activity. These and other objects are accomplished in the preferred embodiment, which will be better understood when considered in conjunction with the appended drawing figures.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the product in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the apparatus that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the device in detail it is to be understood that the product is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The product is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in, and form a part of, this specification, illustrate embodiments of the product and together with the description, serve to explain the principals of this product. The features of the present product, are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The garment, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in the several figures of which like reference numerals identify like elements and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment from a front view with the changing garment on a person or laid flat on a surface with exterior pockets.

FIG. 2 illustrates the preferred embodiment of the garment from a back view.

FIG. 3 illustrates the preferred embodiment of the garment from a front open flat view illustrating the space available for a person to change attire within and with interior pockets.

FIG. 4 illustrates the preferred embodiment of the garment of FIG. 1 converted to an enclosure carrying bag with drawstring attachments.

FIG. 5 illustrates the preferred embodiment of the garment of FIG. 1 from a partially cut away perspective front view, converted to an enclosure receptacle carrying bag, constructed in accord with the teachings of the apparatus, showing the gathering of the fabric and insertion into the carry bag for storage and transport.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings, wherein similar parts are identified by like reference numerals, there is seen in FIG. 1 a front view of the convertible changing garment 10. In the preferred embodiment, convertible changing garment 10 contains an upper body portion 16, a lower body portion 18, and a hood portion 26 that converts to the garment enclosure carry bag 42 (see FIG. 4). Garment 10 can comprise a substantially soft, flexible, lightweight, recycled, recyclable or water-resistant material such as terry cloth, cotton, nylon, tyvek, or other material as would be deemed suitable by one with ordinary skill in the art.

The hooded changing garment, convertible to a holding device enclosure includes a mesh container having a closed end and an opposite open end defining an interior. A drawstring is inserted through a drawstring casing 14 attached to the mesh hood at the open end of the container. The garment, visible in each of the figures, is preferably fabricated from relatively soft, flexible, compactable, lightweight, generally square or rectangular fabric pieces that form upper body portion 16 and lower body portion 18. Most preferably, the changing garment is made from a recycled or recyclable material, though other fabrics are known that will have particular advantage for a given application. The changing garment lower body portion 18 will most preferably extend to below knee length to mid-calf in front and back, since it is most desirable for the present garment to adequately cover all persons when they bend forward or reach down to the ground. The exact geometry of the extended lower body portion 18 bottom seam 22 is not critical to the garment, and the exact dimensions will vary depending upon the clothing size of the person, such that smaller children will have substantially smaller dimensions, though the proportions may remain fairly constant.

In the anticipated use of the present product, the user dons garment 10 by placing the hood over the wearer's head, and thereafter closes the front opening 34 of upper body portion 16 with closure separable fasteners 20, and closes the front opening 36 of lower body portion 18 with closure separable fasteners 20. Once enclosed within garment 10, the user is able remove clothing, or reach out from both the bottom edge 32 of upper body portion 16, and also from the vertical side slit openings 28 that extend downward from the mid-thigh area of lower body portion 18 to the bottom edge 22 of lower body portion 18, to bring into garment 10 articles such as a change of clothing. Lower body portion 18 has closed sides from waist to mid-thigh (covering the crotch area while wearer is seated or standing). The vertical side slit openings 28 may be closed with closure separable fasteners 20, providing enough room to remove or put on articles of clothing.

FIG. 2 sets forth a rear perspective view of garment 10 in a generally empty flattened position in preparation for wearing. As described above, garment 10 includes an upper torso body portion 16, and a lower body portion 18. The rear perspective of FIG. 2 further depicts upper torso body portion 16 at lower edge 32, joined by back connector 40 to lower body portion 18 along horizontal waist area opening 38. FIG. 2 further defines the rear surfaces of upper torso body portion 16 with closure means 20 to form arm sleeves 11 and 12 (arm sleeves 11 and 12 seen in FIG. 1) together with a hood 26, and lower body portion 18, with vertical side slit openings 28 that extend downward from the mid-thigh area of lower body portion 18 to the bottom edge 22 of lower body portion 18.

To facilitate the storage of articles and valuables, garment 10 can include interior pockets 29 having a conventional opening formed therein for the deposit of valuables and other personal articles.

Upper Body portion 16 is generally defined by bottom edge 32. Upper Body portion 16 is preferably configured to cover the body of a wearer extending from the upper torso region down to the waist or hip area. Upper body portion 16 does not fit tightly against the body of a wearer, but rather is sufficiently sized so as to allow a wearer enough space underneath to maneuver hands and arms around to comfortably change clothes. Upper Body portion 16 additionally can include closure fasteners means 20 at the lower edge 32 area to form loose arm sleeves effect 11 and 12. Sleeves 11 and 12 are preferably designed to extend from the shoulder region of a wearer to loosely cover the entire arm area to the wrist area, to be used as sleeves after having changed clothing if so desired. Body portion 16 includes a hood 26. Hood 26 is preferably incorporated into the design of upper body portion 16, completely covering the head and neck to shoulder area of the wearer. Hood 26 being made of a mesh material provides ventilation and allows the wearer to view outside of the enclosure. However, hood 26 can also be removably attached to body portion 16 by fasteners such as snaps, buttons, hook and loop fasteners, zippers, or other means that provide removable attachment as would be recognized by one with ordinary skill in the art. The lower boundary of Hood portion 26 is connected to the head and neck opening 24 of the upper body portion 16.

Upper body portion 16 can additionally include closure separable fasteners 20 on each side of the lower edge 32 of center opening 34 to connect to the upper edge 38 on each side of the center opening 36 of Lower Body portion 18. Lower body portion 18 can include a set of exterior pockets 27 and can include a set of interior pockets 29. Exterior pockets 27 and interior pockets 29 are preferably composed of similar material to lower body portion 18. Exterior pockets 27 and interior pockets 29 serve to provide storage areas for personal items such as wallets, keys, cell phones and removed clothing. Exterior pockets 27 and interior pockets 29 are preferably positioned opposite one another on convertible changing garment 10, within hands' reach of the wearer.

To facilitate entrance into an exit from garment 10, upper torso body portion 16 defines an elongated front opening 34, extending downward from the neck area 24 at the lower boundary of hood 26 to a lower end near seam 32, with closure separable fasteners 20. The length or spacing of closure separable fasteners 20 is selected to accommodate the easy entrance into and exit from upper torso body portion 16. Closure separable fasteners 20 can include buttons, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, zippers, or any other elements used for closing two ends of material as recognized by one with ordinary skill in the art.

To facilitate entrance into an exit from garment 10, lower body portion 18 defines an elongated front opening 36, extending downward from the top of waist opening area 38 to a lower end near seam 22. The length or spacing of closure separable fasteners 20 is selected to accommodate the easy entrance into and exit from lower body portion 18. Closure separable fasteners 20 can include buttons, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, zippers, or any other elements used for closing two ends of material as recognized by one with ordinary skill in the art.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, there is seen an alternative open flat view of the interior of the preferred embodiment of the fabric with interior pockets 29 for convertible changing garment 10.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, there is seen the front view of hood portion 26 of garment 10 as the garment enclosure 42 with drawstring 44.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, there is seen a front view of an alternate embodiment of wearable protective changing garment 10 that includes a garment enclosure 44 attached to interior layer 12. The hood 26 open end perimeter of garment 10 enclosure 42 is preferably sewn to the perimeter of neck opening 24 of the upper body portion 16, in such a fashion as to allow changing garment upper body portion 16 and lower body portion 18 to be fully folded within and enclosed within hood portion 26 as garment enclosure 42. Garment enclosure 42 can comprise a solid material for the bottom of enclosure 42 as support or to prevent items from falling through the mesh, and a mesh material for the front, back and sides of enclosure 42, such as nylon, or other suitable open-weave material as would be recognized by one with ordinary skill in the art. Garment enclosure 42 contains a drawstring 44 located at the opening thereof, to enable a wearer to close garment enclosure 42 so that the convertible changing garment 10 is protected during transport or storage.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, there is seen a partially cut away perspective view of convertible changing garment 10, with upper body portion 16 and lower body portion 18 contained within garment enclosure 42, with drawstring 44 in the open position. The drawstring 44 can be of sufficient length and thickness so that when drawn closed the drawstring 44 can be conveniently carried over one's shoulder or shoulders in “backpack configuration.

The above description, together with the objects of the invention and the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific advantages attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the product.

The preferred embodiment of the garment is described in the Drawings and Description. While these descriptions directly describe the embodiments, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the product, including variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly, and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious it is understood that those skilled in the art may conceive modifications and/or variations to the specific embodiments shown and described herein. Any such modifications or variations that fall within the purview of this description are intended to be included therein as well. Unless specifically noted, it is the intention of the inventor that the words and phrases in the specification and claims be given the ordinary and accustomed meanings to those of ordinary skill in the applicable art(s). The foregoing description of a preferred embodiment and best mode of the product known to the applicant at the time of filing the application has been presented and is intended for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the product to the precise form disclosed, and many modifications and variations are possible in the light of the above teachings. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the product and its practical application and to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the product in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated it is intended that the product not be limited only to the specific structure, material or acts that are described in the preferred embodiments, but in addition, include any and all structures, materials or acts that perform the claimed function, along with any and all known or later-developed equivalent structures, materials or acts for performing the claimed function. 

1. A combination body covering garment and carry bag for use by a person in changing clothes, said changing garment comprising: a) a poncho-type front opening upper body torso portion, partially connected in the back at its lower edge to the top edge of a front opening lower body enclosure portion extending from the waist opening down; b) an opening sufficient in size for a person to put on said garment and stand within said enclosure with closure means for securing said opening; c) a mesh viewport hooded portion covering a person's head within the hood's interior integrally connected at, and conforming to, the upper torso portion at the neck and shoulder opening area; and d) a hood portion containing the garment convertible to a mesh carrying bag.
 2. The garment of claim 1, wherein said hood portion provides a mesh screen facial viewport opening.
 3. The garment of claim 1, wherein said hood portion is constructed of a mesh material provided with a drawstring closure threaded through a bottom hem casing, said bottom hem open perimeter attached to the neck and shoulder opening area of the upper torso portion of the garment.
 4. The garment of claim 1, wherein the hood portion at the crown of a person's head is constructed of a solid piece of material.
 5. The garment of claim 1, wherein the crown of the hood portion forms the bottom of the carry bag.
 6. The garment of claim 1, wherein the removed garment is tucked into the hood portion as the carrying bag for storage and transport. 